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New. That was the only word Magnolia could use to describe this. New boyfriend, new school year, new everything. Life seemed so easy with Jasper. He made her happy, made her feel human, ironically.

The summer months went by in a flash, now school was starting again, senior year, but more importantly, it was Bella's birthday.

Magnolia fiddled with the small box in her hand, looking around the hallways anxiously. Jasper chuckled from beside her. "Stop worrying, darlin'. She'll love it." He rubbed her arm soothingly.

"I know, but I can't help it," Magnolia sighed, leaning into his chest. "Bella hates surprises and attention. I just don't want to make her feel uncomfortable."

Jasper smiled, kissing her head lightly. "Well, she'll be here in about five seconds, so it's now or never," Magnolia cursed under her breath. "Language, my love." She smacked his arm lightly.

Bella and Edward came into view and it was obvious she wasn't happy. Great, Magnolia thought. Edward's already put her in a bad mood. "Morning, Bells." She said as she hugged her friend. Bella was stiff as she hugged back.

"Morning, Mags." Magnolia smiled. She liked Bella's new nickname for her.

"So...I know you don't like all the birthday attention," Bella cringed. "But I wanted to give you something anyway." Magnolia handed Bella the small blue box.

Bella groaned. "Mags, you didn't. I told you no presents. You're just as bad as Renée." She tucked the box into the pocket of her raincoat.

"Bella!" In a flash, Alice had jumped over the stair railing, wedging herself in between Magnolia and Bella. "Happy birthday!" She hugged Bella, who shushed her profusely. Alice handed her a large black box.

"I thought I said no presents, Alice." Bella reprimanded. She was becoming annoyed at all the gift-giving.

Jasper stood near the back, holding Magnolia's hand as the two watched in amusement. "I've already seen you open it, and guess what? You love it!" Alice wasn't going to stand by Bella's no presents rule. "You're gonna wear it tonight, our place," Bella hesitated, looking between Magnolia and Edward desperately. "Come on, please?" Alice begged. "It'll be fun."

Magnolia nudged Jasper, smirking, but he was already one step ahead of her. He focused on Bella, easing her to the idea of the birthday party. Bella sighed. "Okay...alright."

Alice clapped happily. "Great, okay! I'll see you at seven!" She turned and skipped to Magnolia and Jasper. "Good job," She mouthed to Jasper. He nodded curtly in return. The three of them all turned to head to class.

"Jasper!" Bella called. "No fair with the mood control thing."

Magnolia giggled, kissing Jasper's cheek lightly. "Sorry, Bella," He smirked. "Happy..." He trailed off as Bella's face contorted into displeasure. "Never mind."

Magnolia held his hand as she, Alice and him walked down the hall to their math class. "I could come early, help with the decorations." She asked hopefully.

Alice shook her head. "No need, we'll be done by the time you get there. Jasper will pick you up at six. Esme will want someone to taste test the cake." She giggled.

"Well, I'm a great taste tester. I'll be happy to help." Jasper chuckled at his girlfriend's love of deserts and kissed her forehead.

"You're sweet enough, darlin'." He squeezed her hand tighter.

Magnolia just laughed and shook her head.

•

"Alice...Bella is going to kill you." Magnolia laughed as she looked around at the birthday decorations Alice had put up.

"She'll love it, I know she will." Alice winked. The two walked into the kitchen, where Esme put her final touches on the cake.

"So, no eating this till after presents?" Magnolia questioned as she moved a finger sneakily to take some of the buttercream frosting off. Esme smacked her hand away playfully, a warning not to try again. "Ugh, fine." She stomped off jokingly to Jasper, who was sitting on the couch, arms open waiting.

"Patience, darlin'. You'll get cake soon enough," Jasper said, as Magnolia snuggled into his side happily, kissing his jaw as she did so. Jasper huffed. "You make it so hard to control myself, you know that?"

She giggled, and kissed him again, closer to his lips. "Do I?" She tilted her head like a confused puppy, batting her eyelashes and pouting.

A low growl rumbled in Jasper's throat. "Magnolia..." He warned.

"Hey!" Emmett's booming voice made Magnolia jump. "No doing the hanky-panky on the couch!"

"Well, he knows how to ruin a moment," Magnolia chuckled as she shifted herself to sit next to Jasper. "Will you be okay tonight?"

Jasper trained his eyes on Magnolia's hair, as he traced her jawline with his hand softly. "Of course...you're here with me. Nothing can go wrong with you here." He smiled softly.

"Maggie!" Alice rushed over. "She'll be here any minute and your not dressed!"

Magnolia looked down at her shirt, pants and shoes. "Umm, I think I am, Alice." She laughed. Alice shook her head and huffed in protest, taking Magnolia's hand and yanking her off the couch. Jasper growled protectively.

"Hardly. I'll lend you some of Rosalie's clothes, I'm sure she won't mind," She glared at Jasper as she spoke. "Let's hurry," Alice was polite enough not to run with Magnolia. They ran at a human pace into Alice's room, and Alice was already holding a pile of clothes. "Put these on. I won't look."

Magnolia knew better than to argue with Alice. She slipped into the enormous walk-in closet and put on what Alice had given her. A fitting black dress and a blue jean jacket. "I didn't know Rosalie owned a jean jacket," Magnolia said as she stepped out, adjusting the ends of the jacket. "I thought she said they were tacky."

"I did. That's Esme's," Rosalie's angel-like laugh made Magnolia jump. "Don't worry, I won't judge. I'm just here to do your hair."

"Alice," Magnolia groaned. "This is Bella's birthday. Not mine. Why do I have to get all dressed up for this? She didn't even want the party."

Alice glared. "Because. I will not have you looking like a bum at one of my parties. Now sit down."

Her harsh tone and glare didn't make Magnolia question Alice again. She sat in Alice's vanity chair, and let her and Rosalie work their magic. By the end of it, Magnolia looked like a model. "I look like I just walked out of a Victoria Secret photoshoot. This is way too much."

Alice shook her head, kissing Magnolia's cheek lightly. "Nonsense. It's perfect. Now hurry downstairs, Bella is almost here."

Rosalie walked down with her, handing her off to Jasper as she went over to Emmett. "They made a clown, Jazz." Magnolia groaned into his chest.

Jasper rubbed her back softly, chuckling. "You look beautiful, darlin'. A clown could never compare to you. Nothing can."

Magnolia blushed, burying her face deeper into his chest. "Hey! You'll ruin the makeup!" Alice called. Magnolia rolled her eyes and moved to stand beside Jasper, holding his hand. "She's here! Everyone into position." Alice had rushed up the stairs.

Magnolia stood with Jasper, furthest from the stairs. Emmett and Rosalie just in front of them, and Carlisle and Esme closest. Alice soon reappeared, towing Bella right behind her. Bella froze at the top of the stairs, completely in awe of the setup. Candles and flowers littered the living room, creating a warm, soft glow. Magnolia smiled as she saw Bella wearing the necklace she got her. A simple silver chain, with a blue gem. Perfect for Bella.

Alice pulled Bella down the stairs happily. Carlisle and Esme approached her first. "Sorry about all his," Carlisle smiled, taking Bella's hands. "We tried to rein Alice in."

Bella laughed as Esme moved to hug her. "As if that were even possible. Happy birthday, Bella."

Magnolia turned to Jasper. "Can I?" She gestured to Bella. Jasper nodded stiffly. She ran over to her friend, wrapping her in a big hug. "Happy birthday." She whispered.

Bella hugged back graciously. "Thanks for the necklace. I love it, Mags."

A camera flashed and clicked, causing Magnolia to let go. Bella sighed. "I...found it in your bag," Alice smiled sheepishly. "You mind?" Bella shook her head.

"Dating an older woman. Hot." Emmett teased Edward, who looked completely unamused, on edge, even. Magnolia laughed at his joke. Emmett smiled victoriously at her.

"You first, Rosalie." Alice pushed her sister towards Bella, who was holding a small box in her hand.

Rosalie rolled her eyes, pushing the box into Bella's hands. "It's a necklace...Alice picked it out," Her eyes drifted to Bella's neck. "But it looks like someone beat us to it." She scowled, moving back towards Emmett.

Magnolia moved back over to Jasper, taking his hand and squeezing. "You doing okay?" She was extremely concerned for him.

Jasper nodded, chuckling quietly. "Yes, my love. I'm doing just fine. Go enjoy." He pushed her back over to Bella. Carlisle smiled warmly as she stood beside him. They watched Alice take a picture of Bella and Edward, obviously against the couple's wishes.

"Show me the love!" She handed Bella the picture, then a large box. "This one's from Emmett."

Emmett smirked and chuckled under his breath. Bella shook it, looking at Emmett quizzically. "Already installed it in your truck. Finally a decent sound system for that piece of cra-"

"Hey!" Bella interjected. "Don't hate the truck."

The family laughed. "Open Esme and Carlisle's." Alice once again handed Bella a present, but this time it was a small, birthday card-like shape.

"Just a little something to brighten your day." Carlisle smiled kindly. Bella smiled shyly back.

"Yes, you've been looking kind of pale lately." Esme laughed musically.

Bella smiled once again as she started the rip the small amount of paper. "Ow," She hissed. Magnolia felt her heart jump. Bella flicked her hand away from the card, wincing at her paper cut.

All the Cullen's eyes shifted cautiously to Jasper. "No..." Magnolia didn't want to believe it. Jasper's eyes had turned a dark yellow, almost black. "Please Jazz," She mumbled to him. "Don't."